Monday, November 14, 2016

Unusual Canadian Warmth

North America’s most astonishing warmth this week has focused in Canada, where temperatures have been up to 30 degrees warmer than normal.

“On Wednesday, Winnipeg blasted through a 93-year-old weather record,” reported the Winnipeg Free Press. “Environment Canada recorded 25 other places in Manitoba that basked in warmth, toppling records like dominoes.”

In McCreary, about 150 miles northwest of Winnipeg, the mercury rose to 72 degrees (22 Celsius), obliterating the previous record of 52 (11 Celsius), the Winnipeg Free Press added.

Vancouver set a record high just two days before CBC News reported, and said much of British Columbia had been “extraordinarily warm” in November.
Areas in red indicate those which normally have snow on Nov. 9 but do not this year. (Rutgers University Global Snow Lab) Areas in red indicate those which normally have snow on Nov. 9 but do not this year. (Rutgers University Global Snow Lab)

Many areas of Canada which normally have snow at this time of year have bare ground.

As Canada is the source region for cold air over the Lower 48, it’s no surprise snow is lacking there as well.